Land Rover vehicles deliver exceptional performance both on and off-road, with their wheels and tires playing a crucial role in this capability. Understanding the various wheel and tire specifications across the Land Rover lineup helps owners maximize performance, safety, and efficiency for their specific driving needs.

Standard Configurations by Model

Each Land Rover model comes with carefully selected wheel and tire combinations optimized for its intended use:

• Defender: 18″ to 22″ wheels with all-terrain tires (255/70R18 to 285/45R22)
• Discovery: 19″ to 22″ wheels with highway-terrain tires (255/60R19 to 285/45R22)
• Range Rover: 19″ to 23″ wheels with performance-oriented tires (255/65R19 to 285/40R23)
• Range Rover Sport: 19″ to 22″ wheels with sport tires (255/65R19 to 285/45R22)
• Range Rover Velar: 18″ to 22″ wheels with all-season tires (235/65R18 to 265/40R22)
• Range Rover Evoque: 17″ to 21″ wheels with touring tires (225/65R17 to 245/45R21)

All-Terrain vs. Highway Performance

Land Rover offers various tire types to match specific driving conditions. All-terrain tires feature aggressive tread patterns with deeper grooves for off-road traction, while highway tires prioritize on-road comfort, noise reduction, and fuel economy.

Example 1: A Defender owner switching from the standard all-terrain tires to specialized mud-terrain tires gains significant traction in challenging off-road conditions, with the aggressive tread pattern providing 50% better grip in deep mud compared to all-season tires.

Winter Tire Solutions

For cold-weather regions, Land Rover vehicles benefit from dedicated winter tires that maintain flexibility and grip at temperatures below 7°C.

Example 2: A Range Rover Sport equipped with proper winter tires can reduce braking distance by up to 40% on snow and ice compared to all-season tires, with specialized rubber compounds maintaining flexibility even at -30°C.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

All current Land Rover models feature advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that continuously monitor each tire’s pressure, alerting drivers to deviations from recommended levels.

Example 3: The Discovery’s intelligent TPMS can detect a slow pressure loss of just 0.2 bar over several hours, alerting the driver before the pressure drops to potentially dangerous levels, helping prevent tire damage and possible blowouts.

Wheel Material and Design Considerations

Land Rover offers wheels in various materials, including aluminum alloy and forged alloy, each with unique properties:

• Aluminum alloy: Lightweight, reduces unsprung weight, improves handling
• Forged alloy: Stronger, more durable for challenging off-road conditions
• Diamond-turned finish: Provides distinctive two-tone appearance

5 Facts About Land Rover Wheels and Tires

1. The largest wheels available on any Land Rover are the 23-inch forged alloy wheels on the Range Rover SV, featuring a carbon fiber insert that reduces weight by 17% compared to conventional wheels of the same size.
2. Land Rover engineers test tires across five continents and in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C before approving them for factory fitment.
3. The Defender’s optional 22-inch wheels are manufactured using a special high-strength aluminum alloy that allows them to withstand impacts that would crack conventional alloy wheels.
4. Land Rover was one of the first manufacturers to offer tire-specific noise cancellation technology, which uses the vehicle’s audio system to counteract tire noise frequencies at certain speeds.
5. The Range Rover’s air suspension automatically adjusts ride height based on speed, lowering the vehicle by up to 20mm at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics and increase tire contact patch for better stability.

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended tire pressure for Land Rover vehicles?

• Recommended tire pressures vary by model and tire size, typically ranging from 2.2 to 2.8 bar for normal loads and up to 3.0 bar for heavy loads. The specific pressure for your vehicle is on the door jamb placard.

How often should I rotate tires on my Land Rover?

• The company recommends rotating tires every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers to ensure even wear patterns and maximize tire life.

Can I install larger wheels on my Land Rover than what came from the factory?

• While upsizing is possible, the company recommends maintaining the original overall tire diameter. Increasing by one inch in wheel size generally requires reducing the tire sidewall height proportionally to maintain proper speedometer calibration and clearance.

What winter tires are recommended for Range Rover models?

• Land Rover approves specific winter tires from premium manufacturers like Pirelli, Continental, and Michelin, with sizes matching the original equipment specifications.

How does the Terrain Response system affect tire performance?

• The Terrain Response system adjusts throttle response, traction control, and differential settings to optimize tire grip for specific conditions like mud, snow, sand, or rocks.

Are run-flat tires available for Land Rover vehicles?

• Yes, certain models offer run-flat tires as an option, allowing you to continue driving for approximately 80 kilometers at reduced speeds after a puncture.

What is the impact of larger wheels on off-road capability?

• Larger wheels with lower-profile tires generally reduce off-road capability as they provide less cushioning against impacts and less tire sidewall flex for conforming to terrain. They also increase the risk of wheel damage on rough surfaces.

How does tire choice affect fuel economy in Land Rover vehicles?

• Tire choice can impact fuel economy by 5-10%. Highway-terrain tires with lower rolling resistance improve efficiency, while aggressive all-terrain tires typically reduce fuel economy due to increased friction.

What is the correct tire rotation pattern for Land Rover SUVs?

• For vehicles with the same size tires at all four corners, the company recommends a cross-pattern rotation, moving the front tires to the opposite rear position and the rear tires to the same-side front position.

How do I interpret the tire size markings on my Land Rover tires?

• A tire size like 255/55R20 means: 255 = width in millimeters, 55 = aspect ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width), R = radial construction, and 20 = wheel diameter in inches.